Seoul: National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac revealed that South Korea is facing calls from the United States to align with the global trend of increasing defense spending, following a decision by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to raise its defense budget target.
According to Yonhap News Agency, after attending the NATO summit held earlier this week in The Hague, Wi mentioned that NATO member states had agreed to increase their defense spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product by 2035. Wi highlighted that this decision could have implications for South Korea.
Wi stated, "That is a broader trend, and similar demands have been made to us." He explained that discussions at the working level have been ongoing regarding Washington's request that its allies raise their defense spending goal. He emphasized the need to determine how South Korea will respond.
Wi also noted that the issue is expected to be discussed during upcoming security consultations. He stressed the importance of finding common ground as part of preparations for a potential summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump.
On the sidelines of the NATO summit, Wi met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. They agreed to work toward arranging an early summit between the two leaders. When asked about the possibility of Rubio visiting South Korea around the time of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) foreign ministers' meeting in Malaysia in early July, Wi said there is a possibility that U.S. officials may visit South Korea on the occasion of the ARF.
During his visit, Wi mentioned having a "brief conversation" with Trump, in which Trump expressed strong interest in cooperation in the shipbuilding industry.